High school celebrates “positive changes” following inspection
Willows High School was inspected by Estyn in November 2024 Photo cred: Cardiff Council
A high school in Tremorfa was praised by education watchdog Estyn for creating positive relationships and a safe environment after it was inspected last November.
Willows High School was described as a place where “positive relationships between pupils and staff” are “a notable feature of the school”.
Other strengths of the English-medium school include a positive safeguarding culture, improved rates of attendance and a curriculum that emphasises the importance of diversity and other cultures.
Headteacher Chris Norman said: "The team at Willows is proud to share the report of our inspection which celebrates the positive changes that have been brought about by the whole community, pulling together to improve the life chances of our pupils.
“I thank the staff, pupils, parents, Governors and community members who have worked so hard to make these improvements possible."
Prior to this inspection, the most assessment was in April 2018 and noted that ‘standards’, ‘wellbeing and attitudes to learning’, ‘teaching and learning experiences’, and ‘leadership and management' were adequate and in need of improvement, while ‘care, support, and guidance’ was rated as good.
Inspection area judgements are no longer listed in the same way but the 2025 report made three recommendations. These include making sure teaching challenges pupils and encourages progress, precise and impactful self-evaluation processes for leaders and increasing the number of pupils who complete a Welsh language GCSE.
Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “It was particularly pleasing to hear of the significant improvement in attendance which has been achieved through the schools monitoring and support, and that this continues to improve well.”
Work is underway to build a brand-new Willows High School on Lewis Road, costing around £60m which is due to be completed in the 2026/27 academic year.
The school will have a sports hall, gym, drama studio and grass pitches and will accommodate 900 students with 30 places for pupils with complex learning needs.
